“Can you think of any striking examples besides those that are recorded in the Bible?” inquired the teacher.
“Washington,” suggested one of the girls.
“Yes,” resumed the teacher, “Washington is an illustration of this truth, from our own history. It is well known that he was a man of prayer. And so was Alfred the Great, the wisest and best ruler England ever had. We are told that he devoted one third of his time to study and devotion. The same rule holds good even among the heathen. Socrates was one of the purest of the Greek philosophers, and though he knew nothing of the Scriptures, he rebuked those who did not look to God in prayer for guidance and assistance. Now if such men as these, and thousands of others of the wisest and best that ever lived, thought it a duty and a privilege to pray, it seems to me their example ought to have some influence on us.”
The teacher then reviewed the arguments for prayer that had been brought forward, requesting each scholar to note them down in the following form and order:
“WHY WE OUGHT TO PRAY.”
“1. Because God commands it.
“2. Because we are dependent upon Him.
“3. Because we are sinners against Him.
“4. Because instinct prompts us to pray.
“5. Because God answers prayer.